For medications you take every day over the long term, many insurance plans charge less per dose when you fill a larger supply at once, such as a three-month supply instead of a single month. Some plans offer their best pricing through a mail-order pharmacy that ships to your home.

Besides potential savings, a longer supply means fewer trips to the pharmacy and less risk of running out. Your doctor will need to write the prescription for the larger quantity, so ask at your next appointment if your dose has been stable for a while.

This approach isn't ideal for every situation. If you're starting a new medication or your doctor may adjust the dose soon, a smaller fill avoids paying for pills you won't use. For mail order, plan ahead so refills arrive before you run out, and make sure medications that need to stay cool or dry are delivered somewhere they won't sit in the heat.